How to Study Psychology Effectively

Rohini Mohan
Mar 12, 2019

Studying psychology needs immense amount of time and concentration. Along with daily studies, students must devote some hours to observe and research cases of real patients to give this subject its complete due.

Psychology being such a vast subject, can become a daunting task for students. The subject requires in-depth study of behavioral patterns and mental disorders. Since there are so many types of psychology, each subject requires research and observation of our surroundings and of individual subjects.

A student of psychology is required to follow the curriculum, but is expected to transcend the limits of theoretical knowledge, in order to actually be able to evaluate the subject area. This evaluation becomes the basis of career graph for students, as they begin to sharpen their skills for later years.

While treating their own clients, practical knowledge gained in the past years will be assimilated and amalgamated with newer methods of treatment and analysis. Nonetheless, it is very important that students learn how to plan their schedule, so that they can cover all subjects with ease.

Best Ways to Study Psychology

Research in Advance

You needn't always have to wait for a subject to be introduced in class. Instead you can take up subjects that interest you or follow the curriculum in order, and read up on the topic before it is taught to you.

You can begin studying your books before the academic session is to commence, thereby making you more aware and prepared for the lessons. This will prevent you from feeling clueless during the actual lessons and you will be able to ask your queries and participate in the lectures.

Study Daily

In order to understand each psychology subject in detail, you will need to study it on a daily basis. Giving two hours each day after class during evenings, can help you keep abreast with the subject matter. Since you are being regular and attentive in class, these few hours spent studying in the evenings, will be simple revision exercises.

It will help you revise and go over all the things you were taught in each subject for the day. This will help you answer any random questions, which might be thrown at you by the instructor.

It will help you associate and understand newer concepts, that will be taught in the next class. While you are studying at home, you must make it a point to jot down your doubts and questions, which you can clarify the next day.

Be Active in Class

You will need to pay attention in class and take notes on the subjects being taught. It would be advisable to take shorthand notes, which can be turned into actual revision notes, later in the day or week. Make sure you ask your questions, as this will help clarify the concepts of psychology for you.

Study Smart

Since psychology is mostly theory based, there will be too much to read up on and too many notes to make. It would be far easier if you could make short summarized notes or pointers of each topic. If you prefer, you can develop your own way of managing your syllabus, as long as you are able to pick up rapid information from your notes.

Observe and Report

Since the subject you have chosen has everything to do with you and the world that surrounds you; you must stay alert and observant. You can learn a lot by interacting with people, observing mannerisms and patterns, which can be used for understanding your subjects in further detail.

It is always wise to check your knowledge by testing yourself. You may either set questions for yourself or seek the help of fellow course mates, who can test you and vice versa.

Try to not procrastinate when it comes to writing your research papers, as that will increase your backlog and drastically affect the quality of the paper. Choosing a subject of your choice will help make the research process exciting and inspirational.